All of the proceeds from this year's event will go to benefit older children through three agencies -- House of Providence, Mission 1:17 and Bethany Christian Services.

The purpose of Mission 1:17 is to offer positive opportunities and relationships for at-risk and foster youths that will encourage them to become healthy, responsible adults who are able to contribute to society.

House of Providence is committed to giving quality care to older foster youths ages 11-17, with emphasis given to spiritual growth and emotional healing. Through House of Providence, foster children will live in a newly remodeled, fully furnished facility. The educational needs of the young residents will be met through a curriculum tailored to their style of learning.

Residents also receive individual and group therapy.

The Browns have seen the plight of children in the system and the desperate need for their community to rally around them and give them the support and encouragement that is so critical for them, said Jeanette Brown, spokeswoman for the event.

Older children in the system deal with a lot of anger and depression because of prolonged trauma they have endured. Some have trouble even functioning in a family setting and must live in residential placement, she said. Foster children are at risk in the community, with a high percentage of girls ending up in the sex industry, and a high rate of the boys becoming incarcerated, she said.

"These kids are the future of our state, and we as a community need to step up to the plate and be a part of the solution. Every single person can do something. A great way to get involved is by coming to Sawyer's Run 2013," Brown said.

Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. A special-needs race starts at 10:30 a.m. and the main event will be at 11 a.m. Registration fee is $20 in advance and $25 the day of the race. Individuals with special needs participate for free but registration is necessary to receive a T-shirt and goody bag.

"There will be lots of great prizes this year and we will have lots of food," Brown said, including a prize for the person who brings the biggest team.

There will also be raffle prizes, face painting and a bike for the fastest male and female runners.